chekker

noun

chek·​ker

ˈchekə(r)

plural -s

: a stringed keyboard instrument of the 14th and 15th centuries

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Anglo-French, corresponding to Continental Middle French eschequier, eschaquier, probably the same word as Anglo-French cheker, escheker, Continental Middle French eschequier "chessboard, counting board, table with a checkered top"; presumably so called from the resemblance of the instrument to such a board

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!